LAS CRUCES >> If the New Mexico State football team had a game this weekend, the Aggies offensive line is the unit most game ready this spring.

For the Aggies offensive line, spring practice is about developing chemistry and playing more physical in the running game for head coach Doug Martin. Martin has had his team in full pads for most of the spring to create competition for playing time, but also to put the Aggies in game conditions as much as possible.

"It helps you get that game speed," Aggies 303-pound left tackle Houston Clemente, who is one of four returning starters on the offensive line. "That is what you want, especially for an offensive lineman. We have a lot of experience back and the only iffy spot is the center spot."

First-year offensive line coach Andy Richman has walked into a dream situation as a coach in terms of an experienced group to work with. But Richman has made changes to make the Aggies a more downhill running team.

"The combination blocks are a matter of putting more of an emphasis on getting more of a vertical push to zone blocking and creating more seams inside the tackles than the did last year," Richman said.

Coaching double teams and moving to the next level also falls within Richman's comfort zone. Richman was hired in February to replace Walt Wells. Richman coached the past four years at Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Ga. He was the offensive line coach on Valdosta State's 2012 Division II national championship team and the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach for last year's club that reached the Final 8.

"Coach Wells was more focused on the zone, but Coach Richman is more focused on double teams and combos and getting to the linebackers," Clemente said. "It's just different. You have to get used to it and keep working on the technique."

Clemente, junior right tackle Isaiah Folasa-Lutui, freshman right tackle Dezmand Candelaria and redshirt freshman Thomas McGwire have been working with the first-team offense this spring after starting throughout the 2014 season.

"The football IQ is a little higher so we can get to a more advanced technique and focus more on teaching," Richman said. "I think we have guys who can do it. My background is more of a downhill inside zone blocking scheme and Coach Martin wanted to go that way in his offense so we have meshed well together."

Richman does have to replace a first-team All Sun Belt Conference player at center.

Valerian Ume-Ezeoke was a four-year starter at the most important position on the offensive line.

Freshman Jamin Smith, a 6-foot-3, 275 freshman, replaced Ume-Ezeoke in the lineup last year as injuries added up. Andy Cunningham is also an option there, but junior college transfer Anthony McMeans has been working at center with the first team.

"It was great sitting behind (Ume-Ezeoke) last year," said Smith, who is taking second team snaps at center. "He is such a great leader and I learned from how he prepared himself every game so it showed me the level that I need to come in at. Seeing that role model gave me something to strive for."

McMeans is a larger body at center at 6-foot-3, 310 pounds. McMeans has two years of eligibility after transferring from Arizona Western College.

"Being able to handle that middle and decrease the space, hold it quickly and then get to the second level is important for the center," Richman said. "Anthony is probably a little stronger in the middle and he has good footwork. Jamin has more experience but he does need to be a little more physical."

Cunningham could also play center, but if he returns from an anterior cruciate ligament injury in time for fall camp, Cunningham will likely play right tackle. Sophomore Antonio Ortega (right tackle), Abe Holland (right guard), redshirt sophomore Peter Foreman (left tackle) and redshirt freshman Spence Ueli-Faatoalia (left guard) have been working out with the second team up front.

"We have good chemistry and we are trying to work on that this spring," Smith said. "If you can get that consistency going now, you can play at a higher level during the season."

Running downhill could lead to more production for sophomore to be Marquette Washington and Jermichael Selders But it also suits standout freshman Larry Rose III just fine.

"I just tell them to get me to the second level and I will take care of them after that," Rose said.